There is no issue more controversial right now in our churches, schools, and workplaces than the issue of critical race theory (CRT). This theory has torn the nation, denominations, and even families into two.
I have written previously about CRT, but I think I need to expound further. Rather than come at CRT from an academic angle, I think it is high time we all speak personally to the subject at hand.
CRT as a theory in and of itself has a lot of complexities and I am not going to delve into every aspect of the theory. I will say that within my own convention, the majority of black pastors would say that CRT has made some contributions to society at-large and that the majority of white pastors would say to side with CRT is to side with heterodoxy.
Rather than shout at each other from across the room, let’s all try to sizzle the emotion for a second and try to understand where each side is coming from. I don’t think black pastors are saying CRT is bulletproof. At the same time, I think that white pastors are doing their best to accentuate the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
When it boils down to it, I think black pastors would like white pastors to acknowledge that systemic and structural racism exists while I think white pastors would like black pastors to acknowledge there are evils that exist within CRT and that these evils need to be made public.
Can I just say, as a white pastor, that systemic and structural racism exists and that it has existed in America since its inception. This fact shouldn’t be hard for anyone to admit. At the same time, I must say that I am not a proponent of CRT and I think our country would be better off in the short-term and in the long-term without it.
That being said, CRT, which is founded on the three legs of equity, inclusion, and diversity, has brought many atrocities to light. What I mean is that CRT has forced and is forcing our nation to discuss race-related issues that have often been side-stepped or ignored altogether. The problem is civil discourse has taken a major hit over the last decade and it has become hard for many people, even of the same race, to talk to one another about any subject.
Rather than talk to each other about the nuances of CRT, I think it would be best if we first examined our own hearts and then began talking to one another as fellow image-bearers of God.
When you examine yourself, ask yourself if you are a racist. Probe yourself to see if you have ever displayed racist behavior or attitudes toward another God-given image-bearer. If you have, repent first to God, and then whereas possible, repent to the person you sinned against. There is no way you will do the latter until you have done the former.
Let me ask you this: How much in your life have you gone out of your way to get to know people of other colors, backgrounds, nationalities? And when I ask you that question, I mean right here in America and not on some international mission trip. Many times, I’ve been the only white guy playing full-field soccer with hispanics or the only white guy playing full-court basketball with blacks. I once lived in an apartment complex where I was the minority. People of other colors know whether you love them or not. They can tell by your actions and not just by your words. I would submit that once we get right with our Maker, we’ll be able to get right with other men.